Just Sometimes

Witte de With Festival in Rotterdam invited Luke to make a temporary outdoor installation for them. They specifically requested an artwork that would create strong imagery and would visually connect the streets with the waterways. Visiting Rotterdam on a recce he generated around 15 ideas for new artworks which were presented to the curator at the end of the day. ‘Just Sometimes’ was the installation they selected.

Around 1000 umbrellas were installed over a 300m length of the canal for the pubic to enjoy during the 3 day festival.

For this artwork the function of an umbrella has literally been turned upside-down, transformed by their reflection and their sheer quantity in the water. From a distance it was hard to register what they were. Up close, the umbrellas could be seen floating like swans on the canal and occasionally one or two would be found trying to escape a few hundred meters down stream.

Like a bunch of flowers presented as a gift, or fireworks on an autumn night, maybe ‘Just Sometimes’ it’s ok to create something that is simply beautiful that makes the public smile.

During the festival hundreds of the public took photos of the artwork on their mobile phones and cameras. Indeed, even the driver of the local tram was spotted making an impromptu stop and abandoning his passengers in order to get out his camera and take a quick snap. Another artist team from Norway built special benches that were placed by the canal for contemplation of the umbrellas.

As the artwork was removed the end of the festival all the umbrellas were handed out to passing pedestrians. Consequently on rainy days in Rotterdam, yellow and orange umbrellas can be spotted being carried by members of the public around the city, acting as a legacy and reminder of the artwork.

With thanks to the Witte de With Festival and the fabulous team of technicians who worked so hard to help make this installation a reality.

Limited Edition Prints
Exclusive limited edition 30 x 57cm giclée prints of Just Sometimes signed by the artist are now available to buy below. Prints are signed, dated, unframed and limited editions of just 50. If you are interested in purchasing more than one print, please email artwork@lukejerram.com so that we can offer discounts on postage & packing costs.